Marlboro Ransomware

What is Marlboro Ransomware?

A simple XOR cipher is used by Marlboro Ransomware to encrypt your personal files, and it appears that a legitimate file decryptor was created that can help decrypt the files corrupted by this infection. Unfortunately, not all users know about this, and many still think that they need to pay a ransom fee to get their files unlocked. The problem is that no one knows if the files with the “.oops” extension would be decrypted after the ransom payment was issued, and this is the main reason why following the demands of cyber criminals is not a good idea. Even if you cannot find a working decryptor, paying the ransom is not something we recommend doing. Hopefully, you do not need to resort to that to save your personal photos, media files, and documents. In any case – whether your files are restored or they are lost – you have to delete Marlboro Ransomware from your operating system, and that is not always easy. The main task is to remove the malicious launcher, and that might be hard to do if you are unable to identify it.

How does Marlboro Ransomware work?

Marlboro Ransomware is not the first ransomware infection to use the XOR cipher. Another threat to use it is FileCoder Ransomware, and the removal of this threat is discussed in a different report. In fact, we can equate this infection to many other ransomware threats that were reported on our website if we discuss the distribution. It is most likely that the launcher of the ransomware will be introduced to you as a harmless file via a spam email, and this is the distribution method used by most ransomware threats. This is how the creator of Marlboro Ransomware can trick you into launching the infection yourself. What is worse, you might not even realize it, which might allow the threat to start encrypting your files without your notice. As you already know, the encrypted files get the “.oops” extension, and you should not try to delete it. This will not help with anything. In fact, this might create problems for a file decryptor to identify the files that need fixing. The only thing we advise removing is the main launcher file. Of course, you can also erase the message file created on the Desktop.

The message file that Marlboro Ransomware creates is called “_HELP_Recover_Files_.html” and it provides the victim with all details needed for successful ransom payment. The message includes the Bitcoin Address to which the ransom must be transferred, and information regarding the purchase of Bitcoins is attached as well. At this time, the ransomware demands 0.2 Bitcoins (~177 USD), which is not an incredibly large sum of money, considering the ransom fees requested by other infections alike. Well, even if this threat requests a ransom of $1, you should think if paying it is a good idea. As mentioned previously, a legitimate decryptor exists. Also, you might have the files corrupted by this ransomware backed up. If you do not back up your personal files, make sure that you start doing that right after you delete the ransomware. It is very rare for free file decryptors to be able to decipher algorithms used by malicious infections. Much more dangerous and aggressive threats exist, and you might be left with no other option but to pay a huge ransom fee if they slither into your operating system and encrypt your personal files.

How to delete Marlboro Ransomware

If you know exactly which file has launched the malicious Marlboro Ransomware, remove it right away. Afterward, erase the ransom note and then scan your operating system to check for leftovers. If you do not know which file is responsible for the mess, manual removal is not for you. Considering that this malware could attach misleading names (e.g., SimpleMalwareProtectorSetup.exe might represent an authentic program or the launcher of the ransomware), you might get confused really fast. Also, even if you succeed on your own, who will ensure that you do not face malware again? Reliable anti-malware software can take care of both issues – the removal of existing malware and the protection of your operating system – and so we advise installing it as soon as possible. If you have any more questions for our Anti-Spyware-101.com malware researchers, post them in the comments section below.

Removal Instructions

Delete the malicious launcher(.doc/.docx file or .exe file) that might be located in one of these directories:

%USERPROFILE%\Desktop

%USERPROFILE%\Downloads

%TEMP%

Perform a full system scan using a legitimate malware scanner to check for any leftovers.

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